Decibel (2022) is a South‑Korean action‑thriller from director Hwang In‑ho. It stars Kim Rae‑won, Lee Jong‑suk, Jung Sang‑hoon, Park Byung‑eun, and Cha Eun‑woo. The story turns everyday city noise into a deadly trigger.
Plot Overview
- Kang Do‑young (Kim Rae‑won) once commanded a navy submarine.
- After a disaster that killed his crew, he battles PTSD, guilt, and family estrangement.
- One morning, he receives a taunting call: a bomber has planted devices that will explode if surrounding noise rises above 100 decibels.
- First target: a packed football stadium.
- Meanwhile, Kang races to trace each device. Every clue drags him back to the sunken submarine and a secret the navy buried.
- Ultimately, he must face both the terrorist and his own past to save the city.
Why It Stands Out
- Fresh hook: A sound‑activated bomb forces characters to fight in whispered tension.
- Psychological weight: Guilt and redemption run parallel to the ticking clock.
- Dynamic cast: Kim Rae‑won delivers raw intensity, while Lee Jong‑suk adds chilling menace.
Reception
- Release date: 16 Nov 2022.
- Box office: ≈ USD 7.2 million.
- Critics: Some felt the plot familiar; however, most praised its tight suspense and inventive premise.
Takeaway
Decibel blends high‑concept peril with human frailty. Consequently, it offers both heart‑pounding action and an emotional echo that lingers after the final blast.